1996 Buick Skylark Custom from North America

Summary:

Faults:

A/C has been recharghed every summer, but never lasts. Later found out that there is a leak in the compressor and needs to be replaced.

Power Window Failure. Passenger side was replaced at 120,000; driver side gets stuck and feels like it will go any day.

Fuse problems, if you turn on the parking break when the headlights are on then the tail lights and dash lights will go out. Not a problem to change a fuse, but it drove me nuts for a few months. If I leave the windshield wipers on and turn off the car, the interior lights will stay on indefinitely.

Water pump broke at 125,000 had to be replaced. Leaked coolant often. Radiator cracked and was replace roughly 6 months later.

Problems with the brakes. I had my breaks, rotors and passenger site caliper replaced twice in the last 9 months. Resulted in lots of heat produced, actually melted a plastic hub cap.

Serpentine Belt replaced at 125,000.

General Comments:

Even with all the problems I've had with this car, it really has worked out well for me. It has never broken down at a critical time and when it has parts are always easy to obtain and friend/family have been able to help me make fixes.

The car is quite comfortable, and most of my friends actual like to drive in it because of this. It drives well, and is surprisingly powerful.

I got this car when I was a teenager and am now in my early twenties and has really worked out well for me. I have to say it will be sad to see it go when I finally do get a new car.

12th Jun 2006, 17:42

I agree. everything has gone wrong with my 96 skylark from the transmission to the starter. the horn doesn't work now, it just stopped one day. I hate it. to much money spent, I could have bought a brand new car with as much money as I spent to fix this hunk of junk!!